SURREY Police plans to partner with the private sector have been delayed to allow a public consultation to take place.

At a meeting of the Surrey Police Authority (SPA) on Thursday (May 17), in which many members criticised the proposals, it was agreed that the process be slowed down to allow more in-depth investigation to take place.

While privatisation is still likely to go ahead, the decision means public views will be taken into consideration, using focus groups as well as workshops held over the summer to clarify exactly what policing services would benefit from the business partnership.

The review is also aimed at minimising the impact on the Olympics and ensuring that any proposals from businesses would fit with policing requirements.

A procurement process was entered into in October last year to allow the Surrey and West Midlands police forces to explore potential business partnering. A bidders conference was held in March where business representatives heard what was likely to be achieved through the initiative.

Chief Constable of Surrey Police, Lynne Owens, presented a nine-page report at the SPA meeting in which she detailed progress made so far and how the current approach could be modified.

In it she reaffirmed that protecting frontline services was her absolute priority, but that the economic outlook meant change was undoubtedly needed.

At the meeting, several members of the authority voiced their concerns over the privatisation plans with some calling for it to be abandoned.

Geoff Marlow said: "I would like to see the proposals dropped and then the new Police and Crime Commissioner can pick it up and run with it if he wants to."

There was, however, overwhelming support for Mrs Owens' report and her belief that further engagement would allow a clear list of objectives to emerge in order to retain firm control of which police services businesses could have input into.

Jane Anderson said: "The chief constable has shown great common sense and leadership in highlighting the need to articulate what is needed. This will involve big changes that the public have a right to be involved in."

Mrs Owens added that one of the biggest challenges in consulting the public would be ensuring that the proposals were fully understood.

She said: "There are some areas which we do very well and don't want any help from the private sector. I don't think it's fair that we're asking the private sector without the clarity of what we are willing to accept help with.

"I don't want to scare off the private sector. This is about defining the message and giving ourselves proper time to think about it as there's no need to rush."